Answer:
qualitative research
Step-by-step explanation:
Richard, a research scholar, wanted to do a research study in a subject which does not have a lot of preexisting knowledge. SO he will have to ask basic question to his research subjects in order to get an overall idea about the topic. By doing such he will be able to gain a basic knowledge about the subject he had chosen.
Qualitative research is done to obtain or which aims at expanding and gaining knowledge by asking basic question research participants related to the subjects.
Thus the answer is qualitative research.